Casio has developed a working version of a methanol fuel cell to power consumer electronics. The fuel cell has already succeeded in powering a digital camera, according to the Photo Marketing Association. If all goes well, the methanol fuel cell could be used to charge computers when it hits the market next year.

Methanol fuel cells have been in the works to power personal electronics such as cell phones and laptops for the last three years, according to the Methanol Institute, a group representing the methanol industry in Arlington, VA.

Methanol is a form of alcohol and its use does not emit greenhouse gases. Its use in micro fuel cells for electronics would alleviate the need to recharge batteries and would do away with power cords.